Penang Island
Introduction
-Location Map
-Accommodation
-Moving Around
Approximately 112km south of Langkawi, lies the island of PENANG the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. When first discovered by Captain Francis Light in 1786, the island was filled with lush tropical vegetation. The betel nut palm was a common sight all over the island - a fact which gave rise to the name of Pulau Pinang (Island of the Betel Nut). Penang has come a long way from its early beginnings as the first British trading post in the Far East. Its capital Georgetown is a bustling metropolitan city with a unique blend of East and West.
By contrast, the famous beaches of Penang - Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang offer all the scenic delights of tropical island paradise - stretches of golden sandy beaches, clear blue seas and tiny secluded coves enclosed by clusters of rocks. Penang is a resort island in full bloom with numerous hotels of international standard fronting the sea along the beaches on its northern coastlines. The range of facilities and amenities available here makes it an ideal playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea.
But there is another side of Penang that still remains to be discovered. Along the northwestern coastline are some of the fine beaches on the island. Imagine a sparkling sea, powdery white sand, sunlight filtering through coconut groves - the scene of perfect tranquillity. These beaches remain as Penang’s best kept secrets because they are relatively inaccessible except by hiking through jungle trails. The rewards would make the effort really worthwhile.
Islands & Beaches
Penang’s Famed Beaches
Penang’s northern shoreline is famous for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. The Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang beaches offer expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international standard have sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities.
If you crave for privacy, head for Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas accessible via the trails in the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the southwestern tip of the island is a good clean stretch for swimming and can be reached after a 25-minute hike over hilly land from Betong.
Batu Ferringhi Beach (Northern Coast of Penang Island)
A little further along the coast towards Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi (Foreigner’s Rock) is a resort strip lined with big hotels, tourist shops, restaurants and car and motorcycle rental offices. They are also plenty of moneychangers to welcome you.
The beach itself is quite good, thought not up there with Malaysia’s best and the water is not of the tropically clear variety you might expect. The beach is kept clean, even on weekends when hordes of day-trippers visit.
Batu Ferringhi has the drawbacks of a large resort, it can be crowded and much of the greenery has been replaced by concrete, but also the advantages (plenty of restaurants, watering holes and recreation facilities). It has quite a lively resort feel, and there is a good night markets on the main road selling trinkets. The big hotels offer good deals at times and cheaper accommodation is available if you want a few days by the beach.
Tanjung Bungah Beaches
The closest beach to George Town is Tanjung Bungah beach. The shoreline here is packed with lush greenery and dotted with large boulders. You can also sunbathe in the shadow of the overhanging cliffs.
The ocean view at Tanjung Bungah beach is said to be one of the best on the island! Even better yet, visitors do not need to forgo luxury while visiting Tanjung Bungah? beach as there are many world-class resorts and hotels here.
Teluk Bahang Beach
Beautiful sunsets grace the beach of Teluk Bahang–Bay of Embers–where the rustic kampung (village) charms is exemplified by an intact fishing village rumbling with life. Chickens, dogs, cats and children frolic around and under the stilted attap houses and a jetty stretches some distance into the sea to welcome home the fishermen and their day’s catch. A rare quixotic scene comes alive at the twinkle of an eye, otherwise found only in the best canvasses of Penang’s thriving arts trade. At the distal end this idyllic beach, the paradisiacal Mutiara Beach Resort takes physical domicile.
Pulau Aman
Pulau Aman in Bahasa Malaysia means "island of peace" and its name suggests, it is the gateway to tranquility and serenity. Situated on an island covering an area of 288 acres, it is 2.5 nautical miles from the mainland just off the coast of Seberang Perai’s southern district. The nearest town is Bukit Tambun.
An idyllic fishing village with a population of only three hundred, the majority of people on Pulau Aman are elderly folks and laughing, carefree children. Life on Pulau Aman is simple and traditional with man and nature of co-existing in harmony with one other. Here the warmth of the sun is only rivalled by the warm friendliness of the locals.
Fishing, water sports and jungle trekking are some of the popular activities of holiday-makers on the island. Places of interest, each with their own fascinating story to tell, await the exploration of the adventurous.
Places of Interest
Some stones resembling gold were once found at "Telaga Emas". This well is unique because it never runs dry even during the worst drought and its water continue to remain fresh even when mixed with sea water. "Batu Perompak" literally means "Pirate’s Rock" and in the olden days it was the haunt of pirates who plundered the waters around the island.
There is also an old grave at the top of the hill near Batu Perompak which is believed to be the final resting place of a pirate chief called Panglima Garang. Near the beach of Pulau Gedong is "Gua Lanun" or "Pirates’ Cave" where pirates sheltered and hoarded their loot.
Pulau Jerejak (Jerejak Island)
Jerejak Island or Pulau Jerejak, as it is locally known, is an islet located off the island of Penang, Malaysia. A virtually undisturbed island graced with the rich diversity of 362ha of over 210 species of flora and fauna. Towering tropical trees, lingering lianas and exotic orchids prove to be shelters to some of the most remarkable living creatures, such as the Monitor Lizard and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle. Pulau Jerejak has a unique flora and fauna and is home to a certain species of the sea eagle which has chosen to roost on the island.
The island also boasts of an ancient emerald environment, older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon, thus producing a marvelous ecosystem that is both inspiring and engaging. Equally intriguing is the island’s history as a penal colony - a mystical touch to the surrounding pristine nature.
Pulau Jerejak is only minutes away from Penang city life yet tucked away among the magnificence of a lush tropical rainforest; also known as the "virgin jungle" island as it is one of the few remaining preserves of primary forest in Malaysia.
Places of Interest
Kek Lok Si Temple
One of the finest Buddhist temples in South-east Asia. Stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam, this temple built in tiers culminates the beautifully crafted ‘’Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas'’. It took more than 20 years to build which features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures. There are many souvenir shops leading up to the temple which offers good buys. And as for food lovers,famous hawker food are lined up near the Air Itam market.
The temple was begun in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn’t ever stopped. And it’s still going on! The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia.
The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.
Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss, better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam.
Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality.
Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha’s, was completed.
This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple’s embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
Opening Hours: Early morning to late evening
Admission is free
Snake Temple
Built in 1805 in the memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong, the Snake Temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas and is famous for the fact that it has pit vipers living on the temple ground. Legend has it, that Chor Soo Kong, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord. Today the snake population of the Temple of the Azure Cloud is very small, due to the urbanization of the area, but you can still see them coiled up on the altar tables, and touch them if you are brave enough. Originally the snakes were said to be rendered inoffensive by the smell of the incenses, but just for good measure, today the resident vipers are devenomed.
Penang Bridge
The Penang Bridge is a 13.5km long bridge stretching from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island, this is one of many architectural wonder in Malaysia.
It was officially opened by our visionary Prime Minister, Dato’ Dr. Mahathir in 1985. It ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world.
The Penang Bridge costs RM 800 million and took five years to build. Before the bridge was built, people depended upon ferry services to cross the Penang Straits.
Admission: RM7 for one-way toll
Location: Gelugor-Prai
Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney)
Considered the best vantage point for sunset on the island this coastline stretch that is popular time-out spot for families and lovers, just outside of Georgetown proper. The area is one of the upmarket residential areas, which in no way dampens the lively night market or lowers the numbers of that Penang speciality - hawker stalls. Ten minutes from Gurney Drive towards the beach area is the Hokkien Mee stall where hokkien mee (prawn noodles for the ignorant) are sold, opposite the Pulau Tikus police station. These tasty noodles are a speciality on the island, and pretty popular for breakfast – be there before 9.30am as stock runs out quick.
The stalls operate from about 6.00pm to 12.00am daily.
Penang Butterfly Farm (PBF)
The Penang Butterfly Farm (PBF), the first tropical butterfly farm ever set up in the world, was founded in 1986. It is located in Telok Bahang, a fishing village located north of the island.
Talk about dreams coming true and ideas taking shape. Out of the strength came forth sweetness ?and one man’s lifelong fascination with butterflies has resulted in a 1 hectare (and growing!) home and sanctuary to a wide variety of insects, reptiles, fishes and plants. Protected from natural predators and unfriendly environments, butterflies in this sanctuary turn into little Methuselahs, living for as long as 14 days. In their natural habitats, the average lifespan would be about three days.
At the last count, the Penang Butterfly Farm is sanctuary to an average flying population of 4,000 Malaysian butterflies from 120 different species, including some very rare and famous ones, like the Indian Leaf (Kallima paralekta), the endangered Yellow Birdwing (Troides helena) and the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing, arguably Malaysia’s most well-known insect.
Visiting Hours:
Mondays to Fridays from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 9:00am to 5:30pm
Price:
RM 12.50 (adult), RM 6.25 (child from 5-12 years of age)
Free for children below 5 years of age.
Penang Butterfly Farm
No 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-885 1253 Fax: 604-885 2011 / 885 1741
Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden
The Bukit Jambul Orchid & Hibiscus Garden and Reptile House are located along Persiaran Bukit Jambul, close to the Hotel Equatorial; only a leisurely 5-minute drive away from the Penang International Airport.
The two hectares park at Bukit Jambul includes the Orchid and Hibiscus Farm and Reptile Farm. Visitors to the garden will enjoy the spectacular collection of a wide variety of hibiscus, orchid and tropical flowers near a cascading waterfall. Others are the deer park, an ornamental Japanese pond, a cactus garden, a tea kiosk, a pottery corner and several plant sale areas. 
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Admission Fee: RM 4 (adults) / RM 1 (children)
Address: Persiaran Bukit Jambul, 11900 Penang
Tel: +604-6448863
Penang Bird Park, Seberang Jaya
The first & largest bird park of its kind in Malaysia. Established since 1988, the 5-acre park on the mainland portion of Penang State, has a collection of more that 300 species of birds from all over the world, of which more than 150 species are of Malaysian Species.
More than 3,000 birds in this park are carefully and scientifically housed in more than 150 cages for the breeding and conservation purpose. While the Geodesic Domes and 2 giant sized Walk-in-Aviaries, keep hundreds of tamed birds which offers priceless memory and exciting moment for visitors, after hand-feeding them. Exotic birds ranging from tiny Sunbirds to huge, gigantic 8-foot tall Ostriches frolic in an environment that imitates their natural habitat. Penang Bird Park is particularly proud of its hornbills, sunbirds, and pheasants collection.
Penang Bird Park is the bird-park loved by the expert ornithologists as well as for the people of all ages who love birds.
How to get there?
Situated on the mainland along the North-South Highways, reachable in 10 mins from the Ferry terminals by bus, or 5 minutes drive from the Penang Bridge toll plaza. Driving along the North-South Highways - turn off at Seberang Jaya interjuntions, following the road signs to Butterworth. Or take special bus from Komtar direct to Seberang Jaya. Free parking for all cars and coaches.
Entrance Fees:
Adult - RM 10
Children (below 12 year-old) - RM 5
School Children (with school uniform) - RM 2
Camera - RM 1
Physically and/or mentally handicapped & under privileged persons are allowed free entrance
Open daily:
9.00am - 7.00pm including weekends & all Public Holidays.
Address:
Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang,
Malaysia.
Tel : 604-399 1899
Fax : 604-399 1899
Penang Botanic Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens, more popularly known as "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British way back in 1884 from an old granite quarry site. It lies in a deep valley, at the foot of 366 feet jungle clad hills, bound by evergreen tropical rain forests, divided by a cascading stream that meanders through a sprawling 29 hectares of prime and undulating grounds.
Its lush greenery and tranquil setting makes it a favourite park and a popular tourist attraction. It is Penang’s unique natural heritage, being the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Besides, being a repository of flora & unique to the country and to the region, it serves as a "green lung" for Metropolitan Penang.
Scenes & Activities in the Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens is Penang’s unique asset, being the only gardens of its kind in Malaysia. Various floras unknown to many are found in these gardens. Besides being a botanic centre, the garden is a popular recreational spot.
Early in the morning, many people come to the Gardens to jog, exercise and enjoy clean fresh air. As the day goes on, hundred of visitors come to sit at the lawn, by the stream or underneath the shade of trees.
Visiting Hour & Admission
Open from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm every day of the year.
Admission is Free at the Main Entrance.
Plant Information Kiosk
Available at the Gardens Office from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm on working weekdays. Closed on weekend and public holidays.
Healthy Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens was selected as a Healthy Recreational Gardens and Tourist Destination by the Health Ministry of Malaysia.
Access to the Gardens
The Gardens is located at the far end of Jalan Kebun Bunga, approximately 8 km from Georgetown city. You can reach there by boarding transit link bus No.7. Parking bays for motor vehicles are provided and it is located nearby the main entrance.
Refreshments & Souvenirs
Refreshments and Souvenirs are available at the Gardens Shop (Botanika) besides the Formal Gardens.
Facilities
Recreational / Picnic areas, toilets, wheelchair access walkways, Bandstand, Gazebos, jogging tracks, jungle trails, resting lawns and plant nursery.
Group Tours
Available only by prior arrangement - phone 604-2270428
Tel: 604- 2270 428
Fax: 604- 2286 075
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Penang Museum and Art Gallery
As early as 1940, a museum had existed in Penang, located at St. Xavier’s Institution. This modest museum was destroyed during the Second World War. In 1956, under the encouragement of a Mr. Bingham, the nucleus of a new museum took shape at a residence in Northam Road (Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah). When the building was demolished, the available collections of artifacts and archives were scattered. The initiative to run a museum was subsequently left to historical and arts societies which held lectures, exhibitions and undertook research.
The proposal to have a state museum in Penang was suggested by the state government in 1962. The first Prime Minister of the nation, Tunku Abdul Rahman, had proposed that the existing Hutchings School be utilised for the project. The school was the premise of the Penang Free School where he and many leading citizens of the country had been pupils.
Work began in 1963 with the formation of a working committee. By July 1964, both the receipt of artifacts and reconstruction of the school building were proceeding smoothly. The State Management Committee was formed and the Museum was officially opened on 14 April 1965.
In the same year, the art gallery was added to the Museum. The State Secretary functioned as the Chairman of the Management until 1971, when the Museum Board Enactment was passed by the State Legislative Assembly.
Two years later in 1973, the State Museum Board was formed and made a statutory body. The newly-appointed curator was made secretary of the Board to be responsible for the everyday management of the Museum.
The Museum recently underwent a complete renovation.
Today, the Museum possesses archive and artifacts that are state treasures. Outstanding amongst these are eight of the ten original oil paintings executed by Captain Robert Smith (the remaining two being in a private collection).
Other artifacts of note include extensive collections of Baba Nyonya porcelain, furniture, jewellery and costumes that are unsurpassed in their artistic beauty and historical value.
The Museum is the history of, and a tribute to, the peoples of the island. It emphasises the multi-cultural composition of the state and demonstrates unity in diversity. The inherent grace and cultural heritage of each community are reflected in the national treasures, cultural and religious performances and the mores of each individual society.
The displays in the Museum render an instant picture of what Penang was and what it is today; it is a microcosm of the macrocosm outside, past and present.
Together, the peoples of Penang have attracted and impressed visitors with their harmonious coexistence such as not seen in many parts of the world. This harmony continues to weave "a spell which makes those who have never been, wish to go there, those who live there want to stay, and fills those who have spent their appointed hour or so with a longing to return" (J.W. Clark, George Town, Penang Illustrated Guide, Margaret Adams [comp.] 1952).
Unfortunately, as is the case with cities that are developing rapidly, Penang has lost a significant amount of its identity through the unfortunate destruction of many of its heritage buildings, monuments and even the renaming of streets. Still, much of this history and character is bound up in the remaining artifacts and landmarks.
Realisation that the "survival of historic areas is of capital importance to every people seeking to preserve their true cultural dimension and their individuality" (The General Conference of the UNESCO, 1976) has brought concerned bodies together in their effort to conserve remaining priceless heritage. Only such concerted efforts will keep alive the past that Penang has. And it is this past that has imbued Penang with its soul and its presence today.
The State Museum strives to maintain and enhance this heritage for both Penangites and visitors from near and far.
Opening hours :
9.00am to 5.00pm - Saturday to Thursday
Closed: Friday
Admission Fees:
RM1.00 (Adult)
Address:
Lebuh Farquhar
Hills/Forest Parks
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
The funicular train up to Penang Hill
Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level, visitors can ascend to the top by either hiking up or by the funicular railway which has been operational since 1922. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view at the summit, visitors can also view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird park.
There are bungalows for rent and a hotel for those who want to stay for more than a day. Visitors can also indulge in refreshments and snacks at a convenient tea kiosk located on top of the hill.
There is a good walking track up the hill. It takes 4 hours to reach the top and is recommended only for the more energetic. The jungle trail begins at the ‘moongate’ at Jalan Air Terjun, approximately 300m from the Botanical Gardens entrance.
The most popular way up the hill is via a funicular train, which takes about half an hour. Walking up the hill takes about four hours.
The funicular rail service begins at 6.30am and ends at 9.30pm
Fare:
RM4.00 adults & RM2.00 children.
Hutan Lipur Teluk Bahang (Teluk Bahang Recreational Forest)
The 32-hectar Hutan Lipur Teluk Bahang makes an interesting introduction to the Malaysian forest. A forestry museum located within the vicinity provides details of the forest? feature and history, while an arboretum presents the many varieties of local and exotic flora. It is located 24km form Georgetown.
Mini waterfall
The Hutan Lipur Teluk Bahang offers visitors with a variety of mini waterfalls. It also offers visitors cool and clear water in which to swim or splash around in. The natural beauty of the surrounding adds to the soothing and relaxing ambiance.
Picnicking
Ample picnic area located along the river are popular site for family outings during holidays. Shelters, tables and benches are placed at several location within picnic spots fot the visitors?convenience.
Children Playground
The children? playground is equipped with several playing facilities where children can indulge and enjoy themselves. 
Leisurely Strolls
For a milder form of exercise, footpaths are also provided for visitors to stroll around the forest recreational areas. The cool and clean atmosphere coupled with the chirpping of birds and the creaking of insects further add to the sensory experience communing with mother nature.
Forestry Museum
There is a forestry museum which displays items and publications on foresty aimed at educating the public on the importance and contributions of the forestry sector to the social-economic development of the nation. Do stop by and see how you can do your part in preserving the environment for our children? children.
Hostel
Situated in this recreational forest is a hostel which has blocks catering for both men and women. It is equipped with beddings, a bathroom and a hall. This hostel is mainly for lodgers who attend courses or seminars.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Pejabat Hutan Negeri
Tingkat 20, Menara KOMTAR
10000 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-650 5250
Pejabat Renjer
Hutan Lipur Teluk Bahang
Teluk Bahang, 11050 Pulau Pinang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-885 1280
Other Place oof Interest
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
City Hall Esplanade
Clock Tower
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
Fort Cornwallis
Kapitan Kling Mosque
Khoo Kongsi
Komtar
Kuan Yin Temple
P. Ramlee’s House
St George’s Church
Tropical Fruit Farm
Wat Chayamangkalaram
http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my
